It's not the What, but the Who.

Everyone loves a mystery right? As long as it doesn't involve us directly. We want to try and solve it from the outside looking in. As a little girl I loved the game "Clue." Mrs. Peacock, with the wrench in the conservatory!

When we have a little mystery in our own lives, the process of solving it isn't always so much fun. We often focus on the "what's" of our situation. What did I do to make this happen? What is the sum of the damage? And then the all-important, "What can I do to fix this?" Job's friends focused a lot on this side of things. They told him over and over again WHAT he had done wrong and WHAT he needed to do to fix things.

In chapter 23, Job finds some refuge with the WHO in the situation.

If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!

There an upright man could present his case before him,

and I would be delivered from my judge.

But if I go to the east, he is not there;

if I go to the west, I do not find him.

When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;

when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.

But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me I will come forth as gold.

My feet have closely followed his steps;

I have kept to his way without turning aside.

I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Job 23:3, 7-12

In the mysteries of our lives, Satan would like to force us to take on the guilt of them. To weigh us down with judgement. To make us feel like we failed somehow, or that God has judged us, found us wanting, and cast us out. Job correctly realized that God was going to be the only righteous judge. The only one WHO knew the truth of his heart, and could judge him accordingly. He knew he would not be condemned. We have a who as well, Christ Jesus, WHO made sure by his death on the cross that we would not be condemned. Don't let Satan convince you otherwise!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

"when he has tested me I will come forth as gold."

...he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Phil 1:6

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Heb 11:1

It's WHO we have faith in to complete the good work in us. Do you have faith in God, through Jesus, or yourself? Are you certain that God can use your trials to bring you what you hope for, perhaps can't even see now? Do you believe that He will finish the work He started in you? Even if you can't or don't, do like Job did and closely follow His steps. Keep to His way without turning aside. Trust in Him. Keep searching for Him.